Venice is known for being that dreamy city on a lagoon. There certainly is no other city like it, in our world. Commuting on the canals, living on top of the water and knowing the city is in a state of “elegant decay”. Absolutely unique! Venice is, also, known for its artwork. It does not get the recognition it deserves. The Renaissance art is every bit as stunning as anything you see in Florence. The architecture, as well.
So many chiese(churches), so little time! Impossible to see them all unless you have months! We decided on some that we could realistically see.Today began with a vaporetto ride across the Grand Canal to see the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore. It is on a small island in the lagoon, facing St. Marco Square. This church is famous for two artists’ work. Palladio-a famous Venetian architect-designed the church. Jacopo Tintoretto-a wildly famous Venetian Renaissance painter- did most of the paintings. Although it was a very hazy day we decided to take the elevator to the top of the campanile(church’s bell tower) to see what we could see. The views across the canal were spectacular! From the summit of the tower we were able to observe a couple of interesting mazes on the church grounds. I don’t know why, but The Shining came to mind.
We moved on to two sights next to each other, in the San Polo neighborhood. The Frari Church (more Tintoretto paintings) had a organ music performance going on that was breathtaking! Sounded downright Gregorian! The Scuola San Rocco is best known as Tintoretto’s “Sistine Chapel”. He painted not only the ceilings, but the walls, as well. He was certainly Venice’s Michelangelo. This was so incredible that I had to purchase a book, to enjoy at home. As an aside, I must say that San Polo is my favorite neighborhood. Like everywhere else, it is historical. It has more heart and soul. It is not a tourist area. Most of the population does not speak English-even in the shops and restaurants! So refreshing!! Areal chance to practice l’Italiano!
Today we say “arrivedercci Venezia” and catch a vaporetto to our car rental. Look out Slovenia, here we come!
Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore and Vaporetto
Maze
Basilica Della Salute
The View From the Doges Palace Rooftop
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